In a significant diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level phone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on September 10, reaffirming India and Italy’s shared commitment to deepen their strategic partnership and work towards an early and peaceful resolution of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The dialogue, described by PM Modi as an “excellent conversation,” also covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC) initiative.
The leaders exchanged views on pressing global issues, with both sides emphasizing the urgency of ending hostilities in Ukraine and restoring stability in the region. PM Modi reiterated India’s full support for diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and long-term peace, while PM Meloni expressed Italy’s strong backing for a multilateral approach to conflict resolution.
Strategic Partnership: India and Italy’s Expanding Bilateral Agenda
The conversation marked a continuation of the growing strategic alignment between India and Italy, which has seen rapid expansion across sectors such as defense, investment, counter-terrorism, education, and space technology. The two leaders reviewed progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29 and agreed to maintain close contact to further strengthen cooperation.
| Sector | Key Areas of Collaboration | Recent Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Defense & Security | Joint exercises, counter-terrorism | Enhanced intelligence sharing |
| Investment | Infrastructure, manufacturing, green energy | Italian firms expanding in India |
| Education & Culture | Student exchange, language programs | New Indo-Italian academic partnerships |
| Space & Technology | Satellite research, AI, innovation | Italy to support India’s AI Impact Summit |
Both leaders acknowledged the importance of people-to-people ties and cultural diplomacy in fostering long-term goodwill between the nations.
Ukraine Conflict: India and Italy Call for Peaceful Resolution
The Ukraine war, now in its third year, continues to dominate global diplomatic discourse. PM Modi and PM Meloni agreed on the need for an early and peaceful resolution, with India reiterating its support for all constructive efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
India has maintained a balanced stance throughout the war, engaging with both Russia and Ukraine while advocating for dialogue and diplomacy. Italy, a member of the European Union and NATO, has supported Ukraine politically and economically but has refrained from direct military involvement.
| Country | Position on Ukraine War | Role in Peace Efforts |
|---|---|---|
| India | Neutral, pro-dialogue | Engaged with both Russia and Ukraine |
| Italy | EU-aligned, non-combatant | Supports multilateral peace initiatives |
| France | Active diplomatic engagement | Leads Coalition of the Willing |
| Germany | Military and humanitarian support | EU sanctions and aid packages |
The leaders’ conversation comes days after French President Emmanuel Macron briefed PM Modi on the “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of 26 nations exploring post-war security guarantees for Ukraine.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement: Momentum Builds
Another key highlight of the conversation was the ongoing negotiations for the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. PM Modi thanked PM Meloni for Italy’s proactive support in pushing forward the FTA, which is currently in its 13th round of talks in New Delhi.
The agreement, which was relaunched in 2022 after an eight-year hiatus, aims to boost trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation between India and the EU. Both leaders expressed optimism about concluding the deal by the end of 2025.
| FTA Component | Objective | Status Update |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff Reduction | Lower duties on goods and services | Under negotiation |
| Investment Facilitation | Ease of doing business, dispute resolution | Draft framework finalized |
| Digital Trade | Data protection, e-commerce norms | Technical consultations ongoing |
| Sustainability Clause | Green standards, labor rights | EU proposal under review |
The FTA is expected to unlock new opportunities for Indian exporters, especially in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services, while providing EU companies greater access to India’s growing consumer market.
IMEEEC Initiative: Connectivity and Integration
The leaders also discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC), a transformative infrastructure project announced during the 2023 G20 Summit in Delhi. The corridor envisions a vast network of roads, railways, and shipping routes connecting India to Europe via the Middle East, with participation from Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other strategic partners.
| IMEEEC Segment | Route Description | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| India to UAE | Maritime and rail connectivity | Trade acceleration, energy transport |
| UAE to Saudi Arabia | High-speed freight corridor | Logistics and supply chain optimization |
| Saudi Arabia to Europe | Rail and port integration | Market access, geopolitical influence |
PM Modi and PM Meloni agreed to take concrete steps to promote connectivity under the IMEEEC framework, which is expected to reshape global trade routes and reduce dependency on traditional chokepoints.
AI Impact Summit 2026: Italy’s Support for India’s Tech Leadership
PM Meloni also reiterated Italy’s strong support for the AI Impact Summit, which India will host in 2026. The summit aims to bring together global leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore the ethical, economic, and societal implications of artificial intelligence.
India’s growing prominence in AI research and digital infrastructure has positioned it as a key player in shaping global tech governance. Italy’s endorsement of the summit reflects mutual interest in fostering responsible innovation and cross-border collaboration.
Conclusion
The “excellent conversation” between PM Narendra Modi and PM Giorgia Meloni underscores the evolving depth of India-Italy relations and their shared commitment to global peace, economic integration, and technological advancement. As the world grapples with the complexities of the Ukraine war and shifting geopolitical alliances, such bilateral engagements offer a glimmer of hope for diplomacy-driven solutions.
With momentum building around the India-EU FTA, the IMEEEC corridor, and the AI Impact Summit, the partnership between New Delhi and Rome is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global cooperation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements and publicly available diplomatic communications. All geopolitical assessments are subject to change based on evolving circumstances. Readers are advised to consult government sources for verified updates.
